"Fashion is what you're offered four times a year by designers. Style is what you choose." - Lauren Hutton, American model and actress
You may have noticed recently that the cost of gold has been rising… And while this is only one component in the price of jewelry, it can be an important factor. What I’ve noticed over 3 decades as a goldsmith is that when gold prices rise, most mass produced and trend-driven jewelry tends to get lighter, smaller, and more basic. But, I’ve found that my clients want jewelry that is unique and tells their story, a part of them that is unlike everyone else in the world.
It can be tempting to purchase hollow-formed or costume jewelry to express yourself in a unique way, but at the cost of longevity and durability. Hollow chains can be a perfect example of “throwing good money after bad,” as they don’t last long and are often not repairable. Costume jewelry is difficult to repair, and not made to last either.
So if you want to express your unique style, and jewelry is an expression of who you are, how can you express yourself while still honoring your budget? By thinking creatively!
Upcycling and embracing versatile jewelry are great ways to stay budget friendly and still be “you,” so let’s get down to some specifics and look at a few examples.
Upcycling jewelry to celebrate and transform old jewelry into new heirlooms!
Upcycling jewelry can include taking older jewelry and re-setting gems, adding new components, or combining pieces in new ways.
What about that box in the attic of unknown, old and outdated, or heirloom jewelry that isn’t quite your style? Turns out, that jewelry box collecting dust might be the answer! And expand the search by checking with your family too to see what treasures they may have as well.
I had a client trade in these large earrings (below) that were straight from the “Designing Women” 80’s fashion plate. They had a really interesting diamond cut pattern on them which I thought was pretty, and the shape immediately called to me.
I decided to make a necklace from one of the earrings, and a pair of earrings from the other… turns out there was plenty there thanks to the style of the time! By reimagining what was already there, I was able to utilize the interesting pattern that would have taken a lot of time to create from scratch. By adding other components, I was able to use what we had to make two new pieces out of one!
One of the benefits to upcycling is that older vintage jewelry often has components and styles that are hard to duplicate in today's manufacturing processes. Vintage jewelry from the early 1900’s were often die-struck, had cool patterns, and engraving as part of their aesthetic. By upcycling those pieces, we are able to save the unique patterns and styles, saving on labor costs and making the finished jewelry one-of-a-kind.
For example, the pieces below take old vintage brooches from the late 1880’s-1930’s and reenvision them as earrings and bracelets (originals on the left, finished pieces on the right).
Another way to upcycle is by taking the precious gems and diamonds from vintage jewelry, trading in the gold or platinum, and then resetting the gems into something that is more your style. The cool thing about that is that the precious metal is actually considered a “trade in” and is subtracted from the project before tax (at least in Washington State).
In the examples below, we did just that (originals on the left, finished pieces on the right). Taking a pile of old jewelry that was unworn and unloved, and turning them into super cool pieces with all the history still behind them!
Creating versatile jewelry to stretch the dollar without sacrificing style!
Versatile jewelry is jewelry that can be worn in myriad ways, as well as giving you “dressed up or down” options. You’ve likely seen this before…. Scarves that can be worn as a belt, head cover, dress, blanket, or beach cover up… Jewelry can be just as versatile!
Stacking rings are a great example of ways to change up your jewelry look on a daily basis, by mixing and matching and even playing with negative space. A fun example of this idea is my “Rings of Fire,” a series of bands replicating the silhouette of volcanoes from the Pacific Northwest and beyond.
Versatile jewelry isn’t just for rings! Check out these fun hoop earrings that can be worn alone, or with interchangeable and stackable dangles. After the initial purchase of the hoops, changing the gems is as easy as purchasing new dangles that are specifically made to fit! And many of the components can also be worn to accessorize a simple pair of stud earrings as well, giving you even more options.
Earring jackets are a great way to add versatility! Below are some examples of fun, colorful, and even dangly add-ons to simple stud earrings or pearls. And jackets aren’t just for earrings! We can create pendant jackets as well. Consider, for example, the necklace below where the chain with sparkly diamonds can be worn on its own, with the diamond solitaire pendant, or all together with the rose gold purple sapphire and diamond jacket!
Another way to add versatility is by creating necklaces or using chains that have extension links built in, so the chain can be worn at various lengths. For more complex necklaces, this can be a way to wear the piece with different necklines. And when you own a chain with an extendable or multi-length option, you can switch out your pendants rather than needing a chain for each one. The purchase of a quality solid gold or platinum chain will outlast hollow/promotional quality chains many times over. The necklaces and pendants below show these concepts, and a few of these examples accentuate the flexibility as well with gems or charms!
The bottom line is that by thinking creatively, upcycling, and/or using pieces that we already own, we can still have jewelry that expresses our own uniqueness. Additionally, not only will you have jewelry like no other, your wallet will appreciate you too. A sparkly win-win!
Remember, as Coco Chanel reminds us, “In order to be irreplaceable one must always be different.” So go out there and be you, jewelry and all!
P.S. Any of these examples spark your imagination? Have some old jewelry that you want to refashion to meet your own unique style? Reach out and let’s chat!